The State and Revolution: The Marxist Theory of the State and the Tasks of the Proletariat in the Revolution

Lenin's booklet "The State and Revolution" transformed Marxist theory by advocating for the creation of a semi-state of soviets to empower ordinary people in a radically democratic manner. This new edition, with an introduction by Antonio Negri, highlights the continued relevance of these ideas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

The State and Revolution, a booklet penned by Lenin in the months preceding the October Revolution of 1917, shook the foundations of Marxist theory with its revolutionary ideas. Lenin challenged the traditional socialist notion of the state by advocating for the dismantling of the bourgeois state's organs to establish a semi-state of soviets, or workers' councils. In this envisioned system, ordinary people would assume the roles and functions of the state machine, operating in a radically democratic manner. This revised edition features a substantial introduction by renowned theorist Antonio Negri, who emphasizes the enduring relevance of these ideas in the contemporary world.

The State and Revolution, Lenin's seminal work, emerged in the months leading up to the October Revolution of 1917. In this profound text, Lenin upended the traditional socialist understanding of the state by proposing the radical dismantling of the bourgeois state's institutions. Instead, he envisioned a semi-state of soviets, or workers' councils, where ordinary people would take on the roles and functions of the state machine in a democratic and revolutionary manner. This transformative vision marked a significant departure from the dominant socialist ideology of the time.

Lenin's introduction to The State and Revolution is a testament to the enduring relevance of his ideas. In this substantial introduction, renowned theorist Antonio Negri argues that Lenin's vision of a semi-state of soviets remains a crucial framework for understanding the dynamics of power and governance in the contemporary world. Negri highlights the ongoing struggles for social and political transformation, where the ideas of Lenin and Marx continue to inspire and guide activists and scholars alike.

The State and Revolution, Lenin's revolutionary booklet, not only challenged the traditional socialist notion of the state but also offered a path toward a more democratic and egalitarian society. By advocating for the dismantling of the bourgeois state's organs and the creation of a semi-state of soviets, Lenin proposed a way for ordinary people to assume the roles and functions of the state machine in a radically democratic manner. This vision of a workers' council system has resonated with social movements.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804292846